This planetary nebula combines with the Messier open cluster, M46, to form one of the most observed deep-sky duos in the heavens. Common sense might suggest the nebula belongs to the cluster. However, NGC 2438 is a foreground object and not associated with that stellar family. My drawing captures the view in the 10-inch Newtonian at 82X. The planetary appears as a 60" diameter annulus near the northern edge of the cluster. The 17th magnitude central star is invisible to moderate aperture. You'll find NGC 2438 and M46 just 1.3 degrees east-southeast of another Messier cluster, M47.